How quickly the new season of concert and report has arrived! Readers might have wondered at the lack of word over the last month or two? Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir have been busily rehearsing for the imminent trip to the Albert Hall on March 17 where the Massed Choirs are due to give a concert. Not too busy though to respond to an appeal from the Soroptimists of Milford, regular beneficiaries of the choir's support. The prospect of a night with the Neyland Ladies was a temptation not be refused and resulted in a full complement P&DMVC attending the magnificent Tabernacle in Milford. The choir's enjoy each others company and relish the opportunity to complement the other's presentation style and material. Lyn Kelleher and Christine Lloyd always ensure their choirs are fully prepared musically for such occasions and the audience were not disappointed in this regard. The concert was a varied one, with offerings not just from the two choirs, but some remarkable performances by pupils of Milford School. The school possesses an ability to unearth wonderful talent from its student base. We suspect this to be a little more than accidental and more to do with the inspirational teaching and support of Mrs. Sarah Lloyd, no mean musician and accompanist herself. Her pride and pleasure shown at the skill and ability of her performers was plain for all to see and justly deserved. An ensemble, one young man and three young ladies, comprising alto, baritone and two tenor saxophones and called The MHS Senior Saxophone Quartet, played a programme of items, classical, jazz and ragtime. The whole offering was played with skill, expertise and great wit and was received with delight by all present. Most unfortunately, your reporter was unable to obtain the names of the young people and accord to them their full due in this report. Georgina Stalbow, soprano, a pupil of Sarah Benbow of MHS, also entertained the audience with a varied programme, classical items, mixed with popular ballads. Georgina, accompanied by Sarah Lloyd, received a standing ovation for her efforts. She is shortly to leave the school to study at the Birmingham Conservatoire. Readers of this report are privileged to be the first to know that if this young lady continues on her chosen path another star could be in the making, complementing a certain musical star from a town not too far a step from Milford. Georgina is wished all the luck to match that of her undoubted talent. People are known to grumble at caricatures of modern youth, but the hard-work skill and talent demonstrated throughout the evening by the young people of MHS would certainly restore any unbiased observer's belief and faith in our children. Both choirs were dazzled, but certainly not deflated by the talent displayed by MHS pupils. It might even have inspired them, for the choirs produced performances of their own to match and complement the MHS performers. The audience certainly thought so judging by their response to the programme presented. It will be realised that choirs cannot operate without the support of their musical teams, so Christine Lloyd, Jenny Griffiths, Lyn Kelleher and Peter Griffiths are honoured for their contributions. Phil Lloyd was moved to mention that six new members joined P&DMVC recently one of whom was Phil and Chris's son. An overheard comment suggested that this influx might result in the average age dropping to 70! It's as plain as a pikestaff that it is much nearer 68! Best wishes, safe journey and return from everyone to Neyland Ladies on their imminent choral visit to Canada.
